"I want to express my profound gratitude to Peter Lood and Shai Perlmutter of In Canis Speramus for putting their utmost of talents and time into training Archer into a world class PTSD Service Dog. This was very evident to me from the first time I met and worked with Archer, until the completion of an extremely demanding, but very worthwhile and successful, transitional training program under their tutelage.Every one of you have participated in a support effort that likely saved my life. Archer has been successful in returning a little joy in my life, all of which has been impacted by multiple traumas since 1997 and before. ​From the bottom of my heart, I will never forget or take for granted the impact of your compassion, generosity, support, and professionalism."​

Retired Detective Const. Gary Potter, OPPA,Brandon, Manitoba

“I am a retired police officer and survivor of multiple life threatening incidents including a 5-hour shooting incident where I survived attempted murder. As a result of these multiple and terrifying life threatening incidents, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I participated in virtually every medication and treatment option known, but did not achieve any meaningful or sustained relief from the symptoms I and many first responders and military personnel live with each day.​Attempting to cope after so many years of suffering left me in such desperate and dark places, I seriously contemplated and planned to end my life.

While the daily struggle continues, I have been offered some hope by United By Trauma, whose generous supporters and volunteers are donating my service dog “Archer”. At this point I have spent some incredible and healing time with Archer while he is being trained by the professionals at In Canis Speramus, a world class training organization of service dogs.​I will be bringing Archer home with me in the very near future, and at this point he, United By Trauma, and In Canis Speramus, along with a very professional and helpful Doctor are responsible for the restoration of some hope for meaningful relief from PTSD, and the return of some normalcy and hope in my and my families’ future.”

Kal, a one-year old German Shepherd Dog, is enjoying all the attention he is getting when accompanying Constable Shawn Fougere to work at the Ontario Provincial Police’s office, North Bay, ON. Trained for duty as a Service Dog by In Canis Speramus, this dog/handler team is a trailblazer within law enforcement - for the second time in Canadian history a police officer affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) returns to active duty with a Service Dog. Since PTSD is a prevalent health condition within the law enforcement community, this event sets an important precedent for other PTSD survivors.

Since acquiring Kal, the dog has completely transformed Shawn's life; previously he avoided public areas, but now regularly visits big-box stores, restaurants and cinemas. In August, the family enjoyed fireworks displays and performances at Casino Lac-Leamy - something that was completely out of the question just a few months ago. According to his wife: ‘I now have my husband and my family back’. At In Canis Speramus we take great pride and joy in the knowledge that our exceptionally well-trained dogs can transform people’s lives in this way.